[Golf Topic] 'COVID-19 Positive' Im Sung-jae Withdraws from Woori Financial Championship... What About the PGA Championship?

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] ○…World No. 20 Im Sung-jae (24, photo) withdrew from the Woori Financial Championship (total prize money 1.3 billion KRW) due to testing positive for COVID-19.

The newly established Korean Professional Golf (KPGA) Korean Tour event opened on the 12th at Ferrum Golf Club in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province (par 72, 7,216 yards). Attention was further focused on the tournament due to Im Sung-jae's participation. This marked his return to the domestic stage after a long hiatus of 2 years and 7 months since the special match Genesis Championship held at Jack Nicklaus Golf Club in Incheon in October 2019. He was grouped with a star-studded lineup including Park Sang-hyun (39, Dong-A Pharmaceutical) and Kim Bi-o (32, Hoban Construction) to boost the event's appeal.

At the media day event, Im Sung-jae also expressed his determination, saying, "I will adjust my condition as quickly as possible and push forward for the victory." However, he encountered an unexpected obstacle in the form of COVID-19. Above all, there is concern that his schedule to immediately return to the United States after this tournament to participate in the second major of the 2022 season, the PGA Championship, has become uncertain. The PGA Championship is set to begin its grand journey on the night of the 19th at Southern Hills Golf Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA.